| Abstract Scope |
The global plastic pollution crisis demands bio-derived, fully biodegradable alternatives that integrate into circular material lifecycles. This presentation reports our work developing and characterizing two complementary platforms: polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), microbially biosynthesized polyesters with tunable mechanical properties, and poly(tulipalin A), derived from the naturally occurring α-methylene-γ-butyrolactone monomer found in tulips. PHAs offer biodegradability across aerobic and anaerobic environments alongside biocompatibility that enables biomedical translation, including packaging, implants, and drug delivery scaffolds. Tulipalin A, accessible through both plant extraction and emerging fermentative biosynthesis routes, yields polymers with high glass transition temperatures and degradable ester linkages — properties competitive with petroleum-based thermoplastics. We present comparative degradation profiles, mechanical benchmarking, and processing assessments for both material classes against commodity plastic benchmarks. Collectively, these platforms demonstrate compelling pathways to reduce microplastic-generating synthetic polymer use while advancing functional, bio-sourced materials aligned with circular economy principles.
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